Search and compare thousands of words and phrases in American Sign Language (ASL). The largest collection online.
How to sign: a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
"he kept finding excuses to stay"; "every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job"; "his transparent self-justification was unacceptable";
Similiar / Same: exculpation, self-justification, alibi
Categories: defence, defense, vindication
Within this category: extenuation
How to sign: defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
"rationalize the child's seemingly crazy behavior"; "he rationalized his lack of success";
Similiar / Same: apologise, rationalize, apologize, rationalise, justify
Categories: defend, fend for, support
Within this category: color, extenuate, plead
How to sign: excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
"excuse someone's behavior"; "She condoned her husband's occasional infidelities";
Similiar / Same: condone
Categories: forgive
